EDD benefits exhausted - how to extend or start new claim in 2025?
Just received the dreaded 'maximum benefits paid' notice on my UI Online account this morning. After 26 weeks, my regular unemployment claim is officially exhausted. My last payment was $487 and now I'm completely out of options (still no job despite 15+ interviews). I've heard rumors that there might be ways to either extend benefits or possibly file a new claim even though my benefit year isn't over. Does anyone know if extension programs exist in 2025? Or is there some way to start a new claim if my employment situation has changed at all since my initial filing? I worked a temp job for 3 weeks back in February - could that help me qualify for something new? Getting desperate as rent is due next week and my savings are completely wiped out. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
18 comments
TommyKapitz
sorry to hear ur in this situation. the old pandemic extensions are long gone. most ppl have to wait till their benefit year ends b4 they can file again. that temp work prolly wont help unless u made like 1300+ in a quarter
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•Thanks for the response. So there's basically nothing I can do until my benefit year ends in September? That's 4 more months without income. Do you know if there are any hardship programs through EDD I could apply for?
0 coins
Angel Campbell
Extensions are unfortunately very limited now compared to during COVID. Here's what you need to know: 1. Regular UI benefits max out at 26 weeks in California 2. The Fed-Ed extension program is currently inactive 3. You generally can't file a new UI claim until your benefit year ends However, there are a few possibilities: - If your temp job in February was after you filed your original claim AND you earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim with a different weekly benefit amount - Check if you qualify for the Training Extension (TE) program if you're interested in approved career training - California Work Sharing program if you can find part-time work To explore these options, you really need to speak with an EDD representative directly. They can review your specific situation and advise on any programs you might qualify for.
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•Thank you for this detailed response. The temp job was definitely after I filed my original claim, but I only earned about $2,300 total from it. Is that enough to qualify for anything? And how exactly do I check eligibility for the Training Extension program?
0 coins
Payton Black
I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT SAME THING IN JANUARY!!!! The EDD system is completely rigged against people who actually need help. I exhausted my benefits and was told I had to wait until my benefit year ended to file again. Then when I did file again, they said I didn't earn enough in my base period to qualify for a new claim!!!! Did anyone tell you about the complicated base period earnings requirements??? They don't make it obvious AT ALL. You need earnings in the right quarters before filing or you're screwed. The whole system is designed to deny benefits to as many people as possible. I'm still fighting with them over my new claim.
0 coins
Harold Oh
•This happened to me too! The base period thing is so confusing. I thought I had enough earnings but apparently they weren't in the right quarters or something? Had to move back in with my parents at 42 years old because of this garbage system.
0 coins
Amun-Ra Azra
You mentioned working a temp job for 3 weeks in February. The key question is whether that employment was already factored into your original claim calculation. If not, and if you earned sufficient wages, you might be eligible for what's called a "subsequent claim." To determine if you qualify: 1. You need earnings in at least one quarter of your base period 2. Total base period earnings must be at least $1,300 in your highest quarter 3. Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings To explore this option properly, you need to speak directly with an EDD representative. I know it can be frustrating trying to get through on the phone, but I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an EDD agent quickly. I was skeptical at first, but it worked for me - got through in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or check their site at claimyr.com. Worth looking into given your urgent situation.
0 coins
Summer Green
•is that service legit? seems sketchy to me. like how do they get u through when thousands of ppl cant get thru? makes no sense unless they got some inside connection or somethin
0 coins
Gael Robinson
Has your benefit year actually ended yet? That's the first thing to determine. If you've exhausted benefits but your benefit year is still active, then yes, options are limited. I'm guessing from your post that you still have months left in your benefit year. The $2,300 you earned from the temp job might qualify you for a new claim, but it depends on your base period. EDD uses a specific calculation method: - They look at the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file - They use the first 4 of those quarters as your base period - They need to see if you earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter You might want to consider applying for CalFresh (food assistance) and check with your county's General Assistance/Relief program while you figure out the EDD situation. These won't replace unemployment but can help cover some basic needs in the meantime.
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•You're right - my benefit year doesn't end until September. I didn't realize the base period was calculated that way. So if I filed a new claim today, they would look at quarters from January-December 2024? That means my February temp work would count. I'll definitely look into CalFresh too - at this point any help would make a difference. Thank you!
0 coins
Harold Oh
just fyi when i was in your situation i ended up doing gig work until my benefit year ended. its not ideal but doordash and instacart kept me afloat for a few months until i could file a new claim. EDD doesnt care if people cant pay rent they just follow their stupid rules no matter what
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•That's a good idea. I've been hesitant to try the gig work route because of car insurance/maintenance costs, but at this point I probably don't have many other options. Did you have any issues filing a new claim after doing gig work?
0 coins
Angel Campbell
Regarding your question about the Training Extension (TE) program - this could be worth exploring. If you enroll in an EDD-approved training program, you might qualify for an extension of benefits. Here's how to check eligibility: 1. Log into UI Online 2. Select "Training Benefits" under the "More Services" menu 3. Complete the Training Benefits application Alternatively, you can submit a paper DE 8736 form by mail. The training must be approved by EDD, and typically includes programs that lead to careers in high-demand fields. This could give you both additional benefits and new career skills if you're approved. As for your $2,300 in earnings, it might be enough for a new claim depending on your overall base period earnings, but you need to speak with EDD directly to determine this. Your temp job earnings would be factored into a new base period calculation if you were to file now.
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•I just checked UI Online and I do see the Training Benefits option! I've been thinking about doing a medical coding certification program - that might qualify. I'll complete the application today and see what happens. Thank you so much for this detailed information!
0 coins
Summer Green
yo i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned above when my account got flagged for verification and it actually worked. got thru to EDD in like 20 min when id been trying for days. they might be able to tell u if u qualify for anything with that temp job income
0 coins
Payton Black
•How much did that service cost? I'm so tired of trying to call EDD only to get disconnected before even being placed on hold. The whole system is a joke.
0 coins
Gael Robinson
Regarding training programs - the California Training Benefits (CTB) program is definitely worth looking into in your situation. Medical coding is often on the approved list since it's a high-demand field. If approved, you can receive benefits during training and potentially qualify for the Training Extension which provides up to 26 additional weeks of benefits. One important note: you must apply for CTB before your regular UI benefits are exhausted, but since you mentioned you just exhausted benefits today, you might still be within the window to apply. I'd recommend calling EDD directly to explain your situation and ask about training benefits eligibility given the timing. For anyone in a similar situation, always apply for training benefits before your regular UI runs out - it's much easier that way.
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•Oh no - I didn't realize I needed to apply before benefits were exhausted. My last payment was processed today, so I hope that still counts as being within the window. I'm filling out the application right now and will try to speak with someone at EDD tomorrow. Thank you for this crucial information!
0 coins